Efeitos dos aspectos produtivos na qualidade da erva-mate processada pós-colheita

Abstract

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a plant native to South America, widely recognized for its nutritional properties and health benefits, in addition to its significant cultural role, especially in southern Brazil, where it is consumed in the form of chimarrão. Brazil is the world's largest producer of yerba mate, with emphasis on the states of Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, reflecting its economic importance. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the productive aspects of yerba mate on the quality of the post-harvest product. Three experiments were carried out that analyzed the influence of cultivation on the composition of yerba mate, considering different shading conditions, native and cultivated types, and the municipalities of cultivation in the Alto Taquari region, RS. The research used advanced spectrometry methods, such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), to determine the concentration of macro and microminerals in the samples. The results indicated that cultivated yerba mate has higher levels of macrominerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and sulfur, as well as microminerals such as copper, iron and manganese, compared to native yerba mate. However, native yerba mate is more valued by the industry due to its sensory characteristics. The analysis also revealed that shading conditions influence the physical-chemical composition of yerba mate, directly affecting its quality and market value. The results of this study highlight the importance of agricultural management and cultivation practices in obtaining high-quality yerba mate, contributing to the valorization of the product and the sustainability of the production chain. The research concludes that the combination of appropriate agricultural practices and knowledge of growing conditions can result in products with distinct physicochemical and sensory characteristics, benefiting both producers and consumers.